In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Dr. Kelsey Bianca, psychology professor at Cecil College in Maryland, whose groundbreaking research focuses on the lived experiences of exclusively pumping mothers.

Kelsey’s work shines a light on an often-overlooked population in lactation research—parents who feed their babies human milk through expression rather than at the breast. Her dissertation challenges the traditional “breast or bottle” binary and explores exclusive pumping as a legitimate, empowering, and deeply human form of infant feeding.

Together, they discuss how exclusive pumping fits within the broader breastfeeding landscape, what her qualitative research uncovered about motivation and identity, and how systemic barriers—like language, support gaps, and policy limitations—shape parents’ experiences.

Kelsey also shares her insights on how lactation professionals can better support exclusively pumping families with empathy, inclusivity, and evidence-based care.

They discuss:

• Why exclusive pumping deserves recognition as a form of breastfeeding
• How language and terminology shape support and self-perception
• The emotional and psychological experiences of exclusive pumpers
• Common challenges and identity shifts in the exclusive pumping journey
• What research reveals about resilience and motivation in pumping parents
• The gap between policy, practice, and lived experience
• How IBCLCs and educators can create inclusive spaces for all milk-feeding families
• Future directions for research in human milk expression

👩‍🏫 Guest Info

Dr. Kelsey Bianca

Professor of Psychology, Cecil College

Bianca, K.P. (2025). A narrative review of breastmilk expression. Breastfeeding Review; 33(2): 14-24.

Bianca, K. P. (2023). Framing infant feeding practices with bioecological theory: A theoretical review. Breastfeeding Review; 31(3): 6-16.

📝 Connect with Margaret

📬 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty

📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty

🎙️ Podcast: Behind the Latch

Hosted by: Margaret Salty

Guest: Dr. Kelsey Bianca

Music by: The Magnifiers – My Time Traveling Machine

#BehindTheLatch #ExclusivePumping #LactationResearch #HumanMilkFeeding #IBCLC #LactationConsultant #MaternalIdentity #PumpingJourney #BreastfeedingSupport #LactationScience #HumanMilkResearch #PublicHealthLactation

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app — and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!